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Paris Fashion Week Men’s SS18

So we’ve finally arrived in Paris, which was my last stop in Europe before heading over to New York. What is striking about Paris are all the venues and locations I’ve been able to experience. The architecture is just stunning and unfotunately you won’t see much of that in the pictures, but I’ve seen old banks, schools, palaces and God knows what. The French are creative when it comes to that. Regarding Spring/Summer 2018 there were some highs and some lows. Here’s what I thought.

Agnès B stands for quality and stepping into their showroom this time I was expecting nothing less. Their collection is a blend of that wonderful French summer chic, but also incorporates my favorite elements, smart/casual. Agnès B took us on a time trip back to the elegant summers of the thirties and the inspiration mounted in what Jay Gatsby would wear if F. Scott Fitzgerald would have been French. I’m not sure Jay would have dressed like this, especially after seeing the DAKS collection in Milan, but nevertheless an inspiring collection.

Angus Chiang is a Taiwanese designer and sitting on the runway for this show I couldn’t stop thinking about the fact that this was like being in Taiwan high on acid. The collection is inspired by cycling around the island and many of the apparel details with their various colorful signs and street vendor’s slogans took us tripping through the island. Nevertheless, I love color and introducing the fishnet trend to men is just pure love. Not sure I’ll pull that one off myself though.

Avoc is a Parisian label which creates inclusive fashion for a gender-neutral future. You can see the inspiration coming from architectural lines, structured materials and references to decorative arts and pop culture. This is as close to ready-to-wear clothing it comes and many of the styles are dreamy. I’m in.

Chin Mens seems to love history as much as I do. Standing on a staircase with beautiful pillars and the sun gazing on the poor models (the middle one being my buddy Reubs) created the atmosphere from which the collection named Underlinens also draws its inspiration. This might far fetched, but actually isn’t. Hear me up. During the Victorian era, women wore an extensive amount of underwear. Back then they were categorized into two kinds, underlinens and structural garments. The latter created the prominent Victorian silhoutte, whereas the underlinens served as a protection for the valuable corset and dress from your body. That lead to the designer to reconsider the intimate relationship between clothing and our skin. The collection reinterprets the underlinens in a masculine and contemporary manner where some (not all) pieces could easily be made inte everyday wardrobe staples.

Dior, that iconic house which creates garments you couldn’t even think about wearing. Well, think again. Here the freedom of innocence prevails and marks the fusion of sport and suit and that pretty much sums up my style, if I’m to have any in particular. Somewhat unfortunately we saw a nod to the Supreme x LV collaboration even here, but I’ll oversee that as Dior finally created something that appealed to me. Now I won’t feel like a stranger in their store anymore and I think that’s a first, ever.

Haider Ackermann held a show with a collection that pretty much spoke to every fibre of my being. Monochrome palettes of beautiful colors, stripes and even polka dots. The lilac suit is stunning as is Haider Ackermann’s incredible cut and drape work which included his signature silhouettes, such as the low-rise tapered pants and suit jackets. The show itself was almost hypnotic with an intense drum beat, intensifying the closer to the finale we got and I’m still in a state of admiration for this brand.

Hed Mayner put up a show in once again a beautiful location. Couldn’t get enough of those during PFWM. And as we haven’t seen Jordy in a while I thought I’d put both of his outfits for you to see, haha. The inspiration to the collection comes from things dear to me: Spirituality, tradition, vulnerability, power and nobility. Hed Mayner balances the strength and vulnerability to deliver a timeless modern luxury to menswear. Thumbs up!

Henrik Vibskov is THE designer from our neighbors in Denmark, albeit there might be lots of other good ones from there as well. I had high expectations for the show and wasn’t let down, although I have to admit the AW17 collection I saw in Copenhagen in February was stronger. During that show one of the performers fell asleep and that actually inspired the team to create the collection named Wake up!. What I love about this however is that he’s introducing stripes, ruffles and everything hot in women’s fashion to us men and I for one will definitely for the red striped, layered outfit to the right.

Icosae put on a show that surely brought back a lot of nostalgia for someone my age (pre-jurassic) as there were flashback both to Green Day and My Chemical Romance. This actually was a lot more London than Paris, but that made me even happier as Paris needs to get edgier. The pieces were sharp and sleep with structured jackets, sateen shirts and trousers with studded hems. Punk was all over this show and one cannot but love the hoodie with the inscription “The fool, the lover, the poet” to your left.

Julius is not just a fashion label, it’s a project which allows Tatsuro Horikawa to mix music, visual and graphic art in a unique and original way without outside restriction or control. To me, THIS was the show. The look in the middle is me every day in the week and the futuristic uniform which reminds me of something post-apocalyptic movies feature on your left is just pure love. Yay to discovering an amazing brand.

Namacheko held a show in a beautiful courtyard that some of you maybe saw glimpses of on my Instastories. The brand was founded by brother and sister, Dilan and Lezan Lurr of Kurdish decent and the collection somewhat surprisingly (we have a lot of Kurdish immigrants) was inspired by the comparison between Dilan and Lezan as Kurds, and Dilan and Lezan as Swedes.

Officine Generale‘s designer Pierre Mahéo has admittedly said he ran out of ideas for creating this collection and I can totally relate to how hard it is to produce new, interesting content all the time. He took some time off and rested at the Hotel Il Pellicano in Italy with its rich cinematic history and finally got back the spark of creating. You need to be out of your context to be able to absorb influences, he said. He also encouraged many of the models to smile if they felt like it, and sitting at the end of the runway, when passing me and almost back into safety of the fitting room, most of them actually did. A delightful small detail, but ever so delicate.

Pellat Finet put yet another nostalgia trip on my pallet. This was California in the Nineties on acid and the collection was titled “Happy Days” which at least made me smile when I saw these reminiscents of my youth walk by. There was bright and skimpy swimwear paired with sporty pants, shorts and skirts and a few cannabis leaf motifs that the label took a stand with. I don’t do cannabis, but I wouldn’t mind the weed print on that jacket at all.

Walter van Beirendock is a member of the influential ‘Antwerp Six,’ now head of fashion of their alma mater the Royal Academy Antwerp, designer Walter Van Beirendonck has long been a driving force for change in the fashion industry. He continues to show collections that are graphically strong, conceptually challenging and technically innovative. As part of the Antwerp Six, Van Beirendonck established the city of Antwerp and its academy as fashion centres in the 1980s. Van Beirendonck has nurtured many top talents in today’s fashion establishment, including Raf Simons and Kris van Assche. Yes, I get all that, but this show was to me totally over-hyped and the Legolas goes Pride looking models walking down the runway just didn’t do it for me, and you know how much I love edgy design and playing with color and materials.

White Mountaineering gave us a show that left a smile on my face. Sure, we saw the denim-on-denim familiar to us from Milan (yay) on the runway again, but also pieces that are inspired by the serenity of the Japanese archipelago. This is sportswear at its best and what can I say, I do happen to love blue.

Y/Project is last, but certainly not least. It’s a show I had anticipated the entire week and certainly didn’t let me down. It’s wild and even crazy at times and take staple items, toss them into limbo and create something unusual, unexpected, but ever so delightful. You can’t tell from the pictures, but this seriously is something else. The details are immaculate and the pattern cutting is insane to be honest. In a good way that is.

So what’s your take on Paris? Boring, what you expected or mind blowing? I’ll just say, wait until you see what New York had to offer.

52 Comments

I’ve never experienced fashion week other than NYC so I would be delighted to attend Paris fashion week one day. I think it’s amazing you attended the Dior show! I love Paris brands and think all the collections were amazing 🙂

Oh I’ve been waiting for this post! To be honest, I don’t follow Men’s FW at all, but your posts are always so on point that I just couldn’t miss this one!!! What a blessing to be able to attend to all these shows my friend, especially because they are in PARIS!
Personally, I’m not mind blown, but I”m loving Pellat Finet and Haider Ackermann 🙂
Can’t wait for NYC!
XO
Aimarahttp://www.waysofstyle.com

Paris is just such a magical city! I love everything about it. I am going in the fall and couldn’t be more excited. That being said, the first few shows you featured, the colors and everything seemed a bit overwhelming to be honest. But starting with Haider Ackermann, the collections got much better (sorry, being honest). Love the suits from Haider Ackermann. The edginess from Icosae and Julius speaks to me and I like the colors and clean lines from Officine Generale. What amazing shows and I can’t believe you attended so many of them! xoxo, Christinehttp://dailykongfidence.com/

Meg

Wow this is so amazing!! I am so jealous that you got to see all of these wonderful designers. And honestly, I haven’t heard of a lot of them so this post is perfect for me. I love to discover new designers that are very skilled at their work.

Thank goodness for you Thomas! I haven’t been paying too much attention to Men’s Fashion Week, but when I need to know something you have it covered! I was wondering what the Dior men’s collection would look like. I am digging it. It’s definitely a wearable collection. My other favorite was the Agnes B collection. Now I would like some of those pieces for myself!

I would loooove to visit Paris again! I loved the city, even though they aren’t really that fond of Americans… haha! SO aside from all the not so nice experiences I had there, I’d definitely want to return. I’d love to attend PFW too! It’s so cool that some collections are shown outdoors! Must be a nice change of scenery and creative visuals! Again, I love seeing recaps! Out of all the ones you listed I definitely like Henrik’s the most! Stripes are definitely a trending pattern and it’s so refreshing to see new fashion ideas on how to make it unique-er 😉

I was so excited to see your posts from Paris fashion week and you didn’t disappoint. Once again you were so incredibly thorough in your descriptions, and I feel like I learned so much about a bunch of brands I wasn’t familiar with at all. I can’t WAIT to see the New York ones now!!

Those outfits from Agnes B are so funky and cute!!! However, Dior is still my favorite. Dior Homme has been famous for their stylish, minimalistic, and slim fit designs. I have purchased quite a few items from Dior Homme for my ex (oops ..shouldn’t be mentioning this..), simply just because they have amazing designs.

Your life just looks like one fashion show after the next, I am so so jealous! I miss Paris so much and can’t wait to go back! I think my favourite’s Agnes B, I really like the colors from their collection – Paris fashion week seems like a blast! Can’t wait to see your posts from NYC!

What a Dream Fashion Week Thomas:)
I was super curious about it:)
Paris is one of my Favorite and not just Because if Fashion( The Food, Restaurants are Heaven) Can’t wait to go back:) Misss sooo much:)
Loved the Designers, I think Dior Won now the Price:) But Agnes B was not as bad too:)
Love Kisses
Karina

I love Paris! and I’m so happy you had the opportunity to be part of this amazing experience. From all the designers, my favorite is Agnès B because like you said is chic, smart and casual! also, love the colors of the outfits!

These shows must have been so cool to see in person! I think my favorites from the photos you posted were Dior, Henrik Vibskov, and Y/Project. Reading your posts about Men’s Fashion Week has gotten me more interested in menswear, something I’ve never really delved into because I’m always focused on women’s fashion. Can’t wait to see your NYFW posts<3
Samantha

Such a great opportunity to be part of Paris FW and how many brands. Obviously Dior is something special to experience but some others that I like is: Officine Generale, Icosae,
Haider Ackermann and Avoc.
Now I’m very curious to see your posts with NFW 😎
Xx
Evahttp://www.themermaidfashion.com

Such an amazing shows! Of course there are a lot of crazy outfits (like on each Fashion week, I guess), but that is what we call hight fashion, right? Haha.
Thank you for your review. It is so interesting to read posts about your travels and Fashion weeks!

Leave it to Paris to deliver some of the most amazing and inspiring array of fashion. I mean a Taiwanese designer showcasing in Paris runway…way to represent Asian style! Dior’s updated preppy look is so interesting and Agnes B has sleek styles and interesting colors. And now fun is Walter Van Beirendonck’s collection with futuristic vibes and your “Legolas goes Pride” comment just kills me.

Thanks so much for sharing this post and for all the details. Interesting to read that you think Dior was more accessible. Also interesting to see the photos of Angus Chiang’s collection. I’ve never heard of this designer but his sport inspired show looks like so much fun! X

As much as I love PFW normally, I don’t know if this year really surprised me! I feel like a lot of the shows had the same background ideas and concepts, but that’s the basis of a trend. There was nothing that stuck out to me and made me go OOOOO like normal, but Chin Mens had some nice, yet different pieces!
Jordan xxhttp://thehatlogic.com/ikea-bts-preppy-chic/

I can finally say, I will be attending NYFW for the first time this year! I really hope to see you around 🙂 Looking at all the collections you shared from Paris Fashion Week, I would have to say Julius and Agnès B are my favorites. Still stuck on that cusp of loving both minimalist and bold colors. My first time hearing of Julius as well!

Your fashion week schedule is so good! Paris is such a beautiful city, and the fashion is next level! Thank you again for another great recap. I love the structured look of Chin Mens designs and the fact that the show took place on Parisian steps. Another stand out for me is Henrik Vibskov! I love how he incorporated women’s trends into his new men’s collection.

Britta

Ah! You are so lucky to experience these amazing shows! Wish I could attend just one! Just to feel the vibe! The Dior show must have been such so amazing! I love the new cooler streetstyle that they have designed! They are really turned everything around!
Exited to see everything from NYC!

Sharon Wu

Ugh every time I see your posts I feel like I experience a wave of major #FOMO and get super jealous but at the same time love how you are sharing all these looks in great detail for us to see! These looks are so fun and the variety of colors make me so happy haha 🙂 Next time, please pack me in your suitcase so I can experience this in real life with you! xo, sharon

This is really the perfect recap of all the amazing designers at Paris’ Fashion Week for men.
I’m actually loving how they’re giving men a go at the fishnet trend, can’t say you can’t pull it off until you try Thomas I’m holding you against that one haha!
I’m quite impress by the collection featuring gender neutral pieces, it really reminds me of the 1920s flapper style when the ladies dressed to play down their femininity.
The most inspiring I would have to say comes from Pierre Mahéo. It’s true we do exhaust ourselves trying to put creative content (as it is relatable in the blogging world as well), and sometimes we simply must take ourself out of context to be able to absorb the inspiration around us. Couldn’t have said it better

Luke Ross

Another great round up Thomas, I really like how you cover such a wide range of brands and aesthetics – not just the big names or attention grabbing show antics. I think this was my favourite fashion week of them all!

Dear ( My) Tommy,
I would definitely have to say mind-blowing! Once again you did not disappoint and brought the sensational world of high fashion within reach! From the time trip into the World of Gatsby from Agnes B., to the colorful signs, street vendors and slogans within Angus Chiang and the fishnet trend for men which I really think you should try to the decorative and pop culture from Avoc this was all a feast for my eyes. I definitely agree with you that White Montaineering had sportswear at its best and I love how Chin Mens cultivated the relationship of clothing and skin. The sporty suit look from Dior was genius, of course, and I loved the monochrome looks from Haider Ackerman. My overall favorite was Julius with the combination of music, and visual and graphic art.
Thank you so much!
All my love,
(Your) Jenny

This was my favorite post I’ve read today! While, I loved many that you included here, I fell head over heels in love with Haider Ackermann and Y/Project. They are both truly incredible and makes me want to run out and shop for my husband. I say run out but what I mean is shop online. lol Your comment about Angus Chiang! I so see that… I don’t know about acid but I have watched/read Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas so I can imagine! You made me literally laugh out loud! Henrik Vibskov also really drew me in. Honestly, I want to wear everything pictured! I love the transition of clothing being more gender neutral. Style is style and we are drawn to what we’re drawn to. Wonderful post!

Wow this is so amazing. This seems like the perfect description and recap of all of the designers in this fashion week. All of their pieces are so unique and creative. I am really into the pieces that Angus Chiang designs they seem like he wants people to step out of their comfort zone and try something they would never think of. Overall, it seems like Paris Fashion Week for men was great! Thank you so much for sharing!

Such an amazing show! I seriously think Paris Fashion Week is my absolute fave. Even though I’ve never been haha. It would be a dream to go! Love all of the recaps you’ve been doing for FW and I get to see a little behind the scenes and know what to expect to see next year. I think the men’s fashion week is the best in Paris and my favorite for women’s is New York! Thanks for sharing Thomas!

Looks like you covered a lot of shows, are you planning to come to PFW in September? I am meaning to go. My favorite collection was Namacheko, it looks very refreshing and yet classic, yet chic. I am big fan of men fashion and always appreciate watching how you styled your pieces. Women fashion is boring lately, because everything is same. Watching out for more men style designers.

Paris Fashion Week is already on my list for the next season. Hopefully, I could manage it and maybe see you there, haha.

To be honest, nothing could ever beat the DASK Collection, it was too good. However, I’m about to agree with you. At least for the next season, we’re safe. I love that move to that preppy, more gentleman-like fashion, I think it’s so classy and absolutely timeless. And I’m absolutely fascinated by Chin Mens, it’s like watching the old Jean-Luc Godard movies. Love the style and all those retro colours.
Talking about Haider Ackermann, well, several years ago I was a big fan of his, but now, to be honest, I don’t get it anymore. I love the clear lines still, but something is missing.

All in all, I love the main trend of the upcoming season and it’s going to be very interesting! Thanks for such a great article, I really enjoyed it.

Some of these looks are so divine and I’m wondering if they come in a small enough size for women to wear too! I am in love with all the colour and especially Angus Chiang’s pieces are just very cool – reminds me a lot of Moschino! Also loving the coolness of the looks from Julius – they’re so street but also very refined at the same time!

I would love to do Paris fashion week some time and hope NYC is just as fun!

So cool you got able to do all the main Fashion weeks Thomas. After NY I would really love to ask which city is your favourite? The shows looks amazing and from the recap I have tos ay my favourites are: Agnes B and Pellet Finet. Im more like the kind off traditional tailored clothing but I still love to watch different and fun proposals like Angus Chiang.

I feel like you’ve given me the crash course in Paris Week Men’s Fashion. And OMG you got invited to Dior?? Can I say how much I want to be you right now. Agnes B looks like my fave – so laid back and chic – feels the most French to me. Though the colors of Angus Chiang and Walter van Beirendock definitely pull at my senses as well. Looking forward to NYFW!
XOhttp://www.lehoarder.com/

Ooh Thomas what a dream to experience Paris fashion week,at least if i can’t go you can share all the highlights with me.
I love how you write your thoughts and a background story about the collections I especially liked the underlinens Chin Mens story as the Victorian era is of great interest to me that’s really cool how they got their inspiration from that,Truly creative.
I actually saw many prices that I liked from Julius to Haider loving those suits!
Can’t wait to see you cover New York!
Xo
Natalia k

zahra

ahh, you attended Paris fashion week! i was planning to go..
seeing all the coverage and all the cool shots youve taken is enough to feel as though i was there
beautiful shots as always Tom! Did you also attend NYMFW?

There are some really dreamy collections here! I love borrowing styles from the men and these labels are certainly making me want to do just that. I think it’s awesome that quite a lot of the silhouettes and styles here are quite gender bending as well. Looking forward to seeing your take on NYFW.

Really enjoyed this post Thomas! It’s interesting to see the menswear collections as I tend to research the ladies collections more. Paris certainly looked like it delivered an eclectic mix of garments. You’re descriptions had me giggling, especially ‘Taiwan on acid’, which I can totally see by looking at the collection.

My fave is probably Agnes B- I can totally see the Gatsby vibes and I think that the clothes are the perfect balance between quirky and wearable.

maryam

OMG, you are so lucky to have been able to attend fashion shows in Paris. Its always been a dream for me, so hopefully soon. I really like all the collections, but I have to say that Agnes B is probably my favorite out of all of them. when are you going to NY? I am going to be there for fashion week in September.

I love the red and silver details from Y/Project! All these designers did such a great job, and this definitely looks like such a fun experience. You had such great shots and coverage! You should come to NYFW!

Coco

I’m completely in love with Ackermann and Officine General, and I loved Dior’s new collection. This must be my favourite recap so far. Besides the magnificent buildings you have seen a lot of glorious collections. I can’t wait for your report on Ny! Baci, Valeria – Coco et La vie en rose FASHION & BEAUTY

Dear Tommy, first of all brother, I would not be surprised if you and P passed each other during fashion week! He was all over the place then. Anyways, Paris my home that I have not got the chance to live in yet. You know how I feel about the French, but you also know I love me some clothes from Paris. That Agnès B collection has me drooling! I love the jackets, talk about goals! I also adore the jackets in the Pellat Finet collection! Love, Love, Love. One day i’ll go to a fashion week. But for now me and my one eye live it through your posts!
Love You!
-Dom

Hader Ackermann and Julius are my favorite! I love the minimalistic approach and the clean lines and silhouettes. It’s just my style and a perfect blend of edge and chic all rolled up into one. It was nice seeing the whole collection and the other designers too. I love the creativity fashion designers bring!

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About me

A Swedish fashion and lifestyle editor, blogger and influencer based in London and Stockholm who takes pride in attending every fashion week possible out there and covering the latest in fashion as well as lifestyle to my readers. I combine luxurious experiences with the latest fashion updates and let the readers be part of something out of the ordinary. I focus on luxury, whether it be an extraordinary hotel experience, a trip to an exclusive location or going to places often not always available to the public.
However, style cannot be bought with money. This is your place allowing you to become part of these experiences whether it is fashion, travel or lifestyle in general.
Apart from this blog I also work as Fashion Editor for London based Candid Magazine.